Podcast Summary: Ranch It Up Radio Show & Podcast

Episode: Fat Cattle Sales & How Much To Spend On Breeding Bulls
Hosts: Jeff “Tigger” Erhardt & Rebecca “BEC” Wanner (“Tigger & BEC”)
Date: February 6, 2026

Overview

In this episode, Tigger & BEC focus on two pivotal topics for working ranchers: the current state of fat cattle sales and the timely question of how much to budget and spend on breeding bulls during a period of high cattle market prices. The discussion draws on current sale data, expert insights from the American Simmental Association, and practical implications for producers navigating bull-buying decisions.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Fat Cattle Sales: A Real-World Example

• The episode kicks off with a concrete market report from Stockman’s Livestock in Yankton, South Dakota.
• [02:01] Tigger summarizes market data for fat steers:
  • Five steers weighed 1,928 pounds apiece.
  • They sold at $233 per cwt, resulting in approximately $4,492 per head.
  • The hosts use this datapoint to highlight the current strength of the fat cattle market.

2. Breeding Bulls: What Is a Reasonable Budget?

• With bull sale season underway, the hosts turn to the pressing question: “What should I spend this year?”

• [03:15] BEC references a widely-discussed social media post by John de Klerk, Executive Vice President of the American Simmental Association, who analyzes both the hype and underlying data regarding bull prices.

  • Market Context:

    • The cattle market has reached “historic highs in 2025.”
    • Seed stock producers are finally being rewarded for efforts to drive genetic progress.

  • Bull Prices in Context:

    • Despite record average bull prices, data indicates that bulls are still undervalued relative to the market for feeder calves.
      • “Right now the average bull still costs roughly 2.5 feeder calves, which is below long term norms,” citing de Klerk.
      • This means that, while prices seem high, their value is actually discounted compared to previous years.
      • “Bulls are high, but bull value relative to feeder calf prices remains discounted.”

  • Importance of Genetics:

    • Genetics continue to be “one of the best long term investments any producer can make.”
    • Even with today’s high prices, the return on investment justifies the cost; “the market is still telling us that bulls are undervalued relative to the return they generate.”

  • Implication for Producers:

    • These insights prompt the crucial question: “So where is your budget going to be this year? How much are you going to spend?”
    • The hosts urge listeners to reconsider old benchmarks based on historic market relationships and to view bull purchases through the lens of long-term value rather than just short-term cost.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Market Data Milestone:
  “[02:01] Five steers weighing 1,928 pounds. Got an idea? Here’s what they sold for…that was 1,928 pound steers selling for 233 at Stockman’s Livestock in Yankton, South Dakota. That’s $4,492 bucks ahead.” — Tigger

• Bull Pricing Insight:
  “[03:15] A lot of folks are talking about record bull prices, and rightfully so…the cattle market has pushed to historic highs in 2025…But even though average bull prices are the highest we’ve ever seen, bulls are still undervalued relative to the current market landscape.” — John de Klerk (read aloud by BEC)

• Genetics as a Key Investment:
  “[04:10] Genetics remain one of the best long term investments any producer can make. Even at today’s prices, the market is still telling us that bulls are undervalued relative to the return they generate.” — John de Klerk (via BEC)

• Hosts Challenge the Listener:
  “[04:32] So where is your budget going to be this year? How much are you going to spend? Makes a person have to think about it a little bit.” — BEC

Important Segments with Timestamps

• [00:00] - Opening and brief sale promotions
• [02:01] - Fat cattle sale report and analysis
• [03:15] - Introduction of John de Klerk’s perspective on bull pricing
• [03:45] - Deep dive into the undervaluation of bulls relative to feeder calf prices
• [04:10] - Explanation of genetics as an investment
• [04:32] - Hosts encourage personal reflection and budgeting for breeding bulls

Tone and Delivery

The hosts maintain a conversational, practical, and encouraging tone, aimed at supporting ranchers with real numbers and industry insights. They blend market updates with thoughtfully curated industry commentary, creating a resource that’s both accessible and actionable for working cattlemen and women.

Takeaways

• Fat cattle prices are robust, exemplified by recent high-dollar sales.
• Despite record prices, breeding bulls may still be undervalued relative to what they produce in the herd—prompting producers to think carefully about how much to invest in genetics.
• The episode urges producers not just to react to "sticker shock," but to take a longer view of return on investment.

Whether tuning in for market snapshots or deeper strategic thinking, this episode equips cattle producers for making critical decisions during bull sale season.